Mahoning County GOP’s treasurer wants spot on elections board

Tracey Winbush, described by the Mahoning County Republican chairman as “one of our most loyal supporters over the past decade,” is seeking to fill a vacant GOP seat on the county board of elections.

At this point, Winbush is the only declared candidate for the seat formerly held by Clarence R. Smith Jr., who retired Jan. 7 after 15 years on the elections board.

The party’s executive committee will recommend a replacement for Smith at its meeting Saturday, said Mark Munroe, Republican Party chairman.

Nominations will be made by executive committee members on the floor during that meeting, he said.

Winbush, an elected Republican state central committeewoman representing Mahoning and Columbiana counties, said she wants to join the board to continue “to make sure the election process is fair. To be part of that would be an honor.”

If appointed, Winbush would be the first black to ever serve on the elections board, and the first woman in 11 years.

She is the party’s treasurer and a radio talk-show host on 600-AM WSOM.

Smith, who spent 12 years as county Republican chairman, is recommending the committee appoint Winbush.

Munroe, the elections board chairman, said Winbush would “be an outstanding candidate and be a terrific addition to the board should she receive the nod from the committee.”

The person recommended by the executive committee must be confirmed by Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, a Republican.

The job pays about $15,000 annually with full health-care benefits.

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